99 Problems... but the soundtrack ain't one

While seeing the movie may not be a must, listening to the soundtrack to No Strings Attached is. Featuring classics like "I Wanna Sex You Up" (Color Me Badd is timeless, really) and "Bossa Nova Baby (Viva Elvis)" by the King himself, this compilation showcases a variety of genres and periods.

Speaking of periods (sorry, guys), the "period mix" Adam (Ashton Kutcher) makes Emma (Natalie Portman) is sheer genuis. Although only "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis actually made its way into the scene and onto the album, the tracks "I've Got the World on a String" (I don't think that's what Ol' Blue Eyes meant), "Red Red Wine" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (gross) are equally hilarious and appropriate for a mix of this nature. Take those tunes (and others not mentioned in the movie at the site below) into consideration if ever you find yourself living in a romantic comedy:

http://www.nostringsattachedmovie.com/?gclid=CNnik8GpkaUCFeh25QodlzZlPw#/periodplaylist/

But the real shining stars of this soundtrack are the newbies. "Bang Bang Bang" by Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. and "Rock It" by Little Red set the Cali tone for the film; "I Will Let You Go" by Daniel Ahearn is the obvious choice for that moment of realization that you are in love and therefore, totally screwed; "Love Lost" by The Temper Trap just reiterates why they are effing amazing.

The reason I'd buy this soundtrack at all, however, is "99 Problems" by Hugo. Making a cameo as the entertainment at the local bar in the film, Hugo and his version of the notorious Rap song initally got a laugh before the audience quickly realized that it may just be the coolest cover ever.

Listen to samples of No Strings Attached (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), available to order February 15th:

http://www.amazon.com/Strings-Attached-Original-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B004JEIK78%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1180214-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004JEIK78

Hugo - 99 Problems

Reach for the Sky

Sure, most 17-year-olds are convinced that they're "the shit". The difference between those teens and Sky Ferreira is that she actually is. Sorry kids...

Her wide ranging vocals, her born-n-raised Hollywood style and her Olsen twin-esque (but so much cooler) look all contribute to her coolness factor. And while most LA-based, blond, pop, teen acts make me cringe, she makes me jealous.

Expect the release of her album "As If!" on March 8th of this year (courtesy of the cutting-edge EMI/Capitol Records). Do yourself a favor and watch her videos. She is what one may call "optical nutrition." (Shame on you. She's 17. Gross). My picks are "One", "American Dream", "17", and (my favorite) "Obsession":

Sky Ferreira - Obsession

TIm WIlliam - Tripping starring Travie McCoy (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Tripping over Tim William

Should you be unaware of this electro-pop craze that has been sweeping the nation, you may want to give Tim William (not to be confused with Tim Williams) a quick listen. You may also want to climb out from under that rock from which you've been living. Just a suggestion.

In any case, Tim William does the genre good with tracks like "Tripping," "Vampire SEX", "Sun and Moon," "Move It Girl" (featuring Travie Mccoy) and even a collaboration with Bjorn Yttling entitled "Feel Young."

Check out his myspace page to hear these and more (www.myspace.com/margot). But check out his video for "Tripping" first.

i L.O.V. Fitz and the Tantrums

It's easy for me to love Fitz and the Tantrums. And unless you dislike Motown, Soul, Indie Pop, the entirety of the 60's and the general sound of good music, you'll love them too. What's even better than their use of saxophone is their story - the classic culmination of hard work, a good product and great timing. Newly formed and virtually unheard of, the LA band had a fan in a tattoo artist from New York who happened to have Maroon 5's Adam Levine as a customer. When Adam heard their EP playing, he decided the unsigned and unknown Fitz and the Tantrums would be their opening act on their Fall 2009 tour. The rest is history.

Their album Pickin' Up The Pieces, released this past August, is sure to please with (my personal favorites) "MoneyGrabber", "Breakin' The Chains of Love", "Don't Gotta Work It Out", and "L.O.V."

Check out the band's website at http://www.fitzandthetantrums.com/.